All over Virginia, people are anxious. Like everyone else in America, Virginians are nervous about the economy. This is not a Democratic, Republican or Independent issue. This is a Virginia issue.

In every corner of the Commonwealth – in rural, suburban, and urban areas – unemployment rates are rising, homes are being foreclosed, and people’s life savings are diminishing. And all signs indicate that next year is going to be even worse – perhaps the worst year since the Great Depression. Virginians are worried.

But Virginians also know that the best days are ahead. They know that the next few years are going to be tough, but they are ready to get to work and build a better future for their children. They need a governor who can bring an energetic, fresh, creative approach to solving problems and building a stronger economy… a governor who comes to the job with the right kind of experience to take on some very tough challenges.

Governors Tim Kaine and Mark Warner have done a great job of leading Virginia through both good times and bad times. Thanks to them, Virginia has been named the Best Managed state in the country two times in a row. Virginia has been named the best state for business and the best state in which to raise a child. And, once again, Virginia has obtained a Triple A bond rating from every ratings agency.

Now, with what we’re facing in the next few years, people want a governor who, like Governors Warner and Kaine, brings the right kind of executive background to the job and who understands that not all good ideas come from Richmond. A governor who, like Governors Warner and Kaine, knows that it’s not about politics – it’s about RESULTS. That’s what it’s going to take to get our economy moving forward again and to build on the progress we’ve made over the past seven years.

Terry McAuliffe knows that in Virginia, just like in a business, there needs to be a plan, with clear long-term and short-term goals, to help us get back on track. We need to think about what Virginians need right now, but we also need to think about what we’re going to need down the road in 10, 20, or 30 years. Instead of thinking about short-term band-aids, we need to set goals for the future and then figure out what steps we need to take to get there. What we need is a Business Plan for Virginia. A plan that deals with all aspects of state government and helps all Virginians get back on track.

Terry McAuliffe has drawn from his experience as a businessman and from his conversations with Virginians to lay out a few thoughts here. Click here to read his comprehensive business plan for Virginia.